Florida A&M Hazing Update: School names new band director, Sylvester Young
(CBS/AP) TALLAHASSEE - Florida A & M University announced that former Ohio University music professor Sylvester Young will be the new director of the Marching 100 band.
PICTURES: Florida A&M hazing scandal
The band has been suspended since drum major Robert Champion died from a hazing ritual after the Florida Classic football game in late 2011.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Young directed Ohio University's marching band, the Marching 110, from 1990-1996.
The 66-year-old is a 1969 graduate of FAMU and was just settling into retirement when he accepted the position.
Interim FAMU President Larry Robinson says that hiring a new band director is a crucial step leading up to the band's reinstatement.
According to the Sentinal, a return date for the Marching 100 has not yet been set. However, Young is scheduled to start work on June 14 with an annual salary of $105,000.
On Tuesday, Young stated that he will work to dismantle the culture of hazing within the band. He then stated, "We can actually come out of this being an icon for all other universities," the newspaper reported.
Robinson remains hopeful, too, calling Young a "talented and experienced administrator, musician and scholar who I believe will provide strong discipline, leadership and vision for the Marching 100," says the Sentinel.
Complete coverage of the Robert Champion hazing case on Crimesider
